Lake Arnen, reservoir in Gsteig bei Gstaad in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Lake Arnen is a reservoir in the mountains of Gsteig bei Gstaad in Canton Bern, surrounded by meadows and mountain slopes in a quiet valley. The lake has a rounded shape with a surface area just under half a square kilometer and is held by a concrete dam built in 1942 that provides water supply and hydroelectric power to nearby communities.
The lake was originally a natural mountain water body and became an important reservoir when the dam was constructed in 1942 to serve regional water supply needs. This transformation marked a turning point in Swiss mountain landscape history as natural resources were harnessed for modern power generation and water management.
The lake is a place where locals and visitors have spent time together for generations, engaging in simple outdoor pursuits. Fishing, shoreline walks, and quiet moments by the water reflect how this site is woven into daily mountain life.
The lake is accessible by toll road from Feutersoey from late spring through early April, though the road closes during winter months. Summer visitors can use a ride-sharing bench at the trailhead and enjoy walking trails, fishing spots, swimming areas, and boat rental stations around the water.
The surface partially freezes during cold seasons, giving the lake a still and quiet character ideal for winter walks. This seasonal transformation reveals how the lake's appearance and mood shift dramatically with the changing year.
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